Irish Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug said they “cried” when Israel qualified for the song contest’s final.
Speaking to Newstalk presenter Henry McKean, the Cork artist said they were unimpressed with Israel’s success at Eurovision.
“I cried with my team,” they said.
Bambie Thug called on people, including those not watching Eurovision this year, to vote for countries who are pro-Palestine.
“I cried with my team.” Ireland 🇮🇪 Eurovision finalist Bambie Thug is asked how they felt when Israel qualified for the #EUROVISION final. pic.twitter.com/wE1F8xeU7E
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) May 10, 2024
“I would say if you are going to vote - you don't have to watch it – just look at the people who are pro and support that way,” they said.
“Because we've seen now from the odds that we're in danger zone.
“I'm fearful that we will miss a lot of votes because of the boycotting and that then will make someone else maybe more with a chance to win.
“There are 200 million viewers and I think regardless, our performance stands out, and it's undeniable how theatrical it is.”
Who will win #Eurovision2024 the latest odds here. pic.twitter.com/YlTT5CVTqt
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) May 11, 2024
Bambie Thug broke a dry spell for Ireland’s Eurovision performance, being the first Irish act to qualify for the final since 2018.
They are performing ‘Ouija pop’ song ‘Doomsday Blue’ with choreography and dancing by Matt Williams.
They said it would be “an amazing year for Cork” if they win the Eurovision final tonight.
“Imagine Cillian Murphy gets the Oscar and we win Eurovision,” they said.
“Cillian, tell everyone to crown the witch.”
There have been calls for Bambie Thug to boycott Eurovision due to Israel’s continued involvement amid the ongoing war with Hamas that has killed over 35,000 Palestinians.
Bambie Thug during the post show press conference. Image: Andres PovedaBambie Thug has previously said they would be boycotting the contest if they weren’t taking part, but they wanted to represent pro-Palestinian artists.
“At the end of the day, without the group of us who is pro-Palestine, it is less competition for the other side to win and it's less of solidarity there,” they previously told The Late Late Show.
They previously had Ogham face paint that read ‘ceasefire’ but was reportedly told to remove it by the European Broadcasting Union.
"It was very important for me because I'm pro-justice and pro-peace," they said.
Singer Mary Coughlan previously told Newstalk she didn't think "anybody with a conscience" could perform at this year's event.
"I would myself have the respect of my peers and other artists rather than to go on some television programme that is largely viewed as entertainment," she said.
Bambie Thug will perform 10th this evening from the arena in Malmö, Sweden.
